If there are alternatives, such as idealizing the upper arch, are there any difficulties associated with these alternatives? My question relates to children in particular.
2007-02-07 08:01:20 · 2 answers · asked by antes 2 in Health ➔ Dental
My son's upper arch was too small and beginning around the age of 9 the orthodontist began expanding the arch with a removeable ortho device which I could expand at home every 3 weeks using a little tiny key. This went on for about 3 years and we had 2 different appliances. This expanded the upper arch enough so that no bicuspids were removed when the big ortho work with braces got started. I don't know if this is available in America. We did this in Europe, where we live. There were not any difficulties at all. Today he's at university, with all his teeth, all nice and straight, and no cavities.
2007-02-07 08:14:20 · answer #1 · answered by Cookie Preston 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
4 bicuspids is common-why is it a problem/?- there is a schol of thought that says it causes a flat facial profile in some patients. In some cases a 'functional appliance ' can be used at the mixed dentition stage to encourage helpful jaw development , but unsurprisingly, each case is different -=there are no 'children in particular'- only children in general-each child 'in particular is different and the case needs discussion with the orthodontist- why ask on this site when you need the info from the 'horses mouth'?
2007-02-07 08:19:05 · answer #2 · answered by shyteforbrains 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋